The scene shifted two years ahead.
Kazuki had already learned how to speak, and on this particular day, his father was taking him to a ceremony. Kazuki felt confused about what it could be for, so he asked,"Dad, where are we going?"
His father chuckled and replied,"You'll be taught about this in school when you join next year, after you've completed this ceremony."
Kazuki frowned slightly."But… can you at least tell me something about it now?"
His father sighed, smiling at his curiosity."Well, you're still a child, so you won't fully understand it yet — but fine, I'll explain. In this world, a force exists called Spiritual Force. Every living being is born with it. To test how much Spiritual Force you possess, there's a special ceremony where you touch a magical crystal. That crystal reveals the amount and type of Spiritual Force you have."
Kazuki nodded, pretending to look confused, though in truth he understood every word.
"But you don't need to worry," his father continued with pride in his voice. "You're a royal — and royals are blessed by the gods. For example, our family is blessed by the god Julius. His divine energy flows through the blood of the royal family. Most royals have dangerously high amounts of Spiritual Energy, so you won't be failing this test, my child."
Then his father gave him a knowing look and asked,"Did you understand what I said?"
Kazuki knew he needed to act like a five-year-old, so he gave a confused little nod and feigned misunderstanding — though in his mind, he was piecing everything together.
His father went on."There are two types of Spiritual Force. The first is Holy Force, granted by the gods to those they deem worthy. The second is Chaos Force, which demons grant to those they choose. Royals almost always receive Holy Force because they're blessed by the gods. Even though children don't fully grasp these things, the test is given at a young age because a pure mind has a higher chance of being favored by a god."
He paused, looking serious."There's nothing wrong with receiving Chaos Force either. The most important thing is how you control it — and not letting it corrupt you."
Kazuki again acted like he didn't understand a thing, though in truth, his mind was racing.
Finally, they arrived at the ceremonial hall.
Everyone greeted Kazuki's father with deep bows and reverence, addressing him as Emperor. Kazuki wasn't surprised; he had already figured out that his father was either a king or emperor long ago.
Inside the grand hall, people gathered from every corner of the realm. Royals, nobles, commoners, even prisoners, officials, and warriors from different races — orcs, elves, goblins, and others — had come to witness the ceremony.
They had all gathered for one reason:To see what type of Spiritual Force this newest royal, Kazuki Ayanami, would awaken.
And as if to mark the gravity of the moment, even an angel descended from the heavens, standing among them to watch.
The stage was set.